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500,000 years of human history up for bid

Half a millennium of time history at auction

On September 28th, Aguttes will be holding an auction in Neuilly to sell off a collection of watches that spans several centuries of watchmaking history.

It’s not often that we get the chance to see several centuries worth of history laid out before us at once. This is exactly what will be available at the auction house Aguttes’ sale titled “A History of Time,” which will take place on September 28 in Neuilly. A selection encompassing the entirety of the history of watchmaking from the close of the Middle Ages to the present day. The horological artwork that will be displayed during this session spans more than 500 years.

A watch with the Memento Mori brand. Aguttes

Thus, we can take note of a remarkable watch in silver named “Memento Mori,” which dates back to the middle of the 17th century and sells for between 6000 and 8000 euros. The mouth moves around on an articulated hinge within its skull-shaped housing, which also contains a ring that may be hung from the upper portion. Roman numerals are printed on the dial’s silver background, and there is just one hand. An excellent illustration of the Puritan period, which began in England in the middle of the 17th century as a result of the impact of Calvinism.

In the space between horology and theology. Aguttes

Another item that will be sold at this auction is a watch made of gilt metal and rock crystal in the shape of a cross that dates back to the middle of the 17th century and is signed on the plate Fonnereau and comes from La Rochelle. The estimate for this watch is between 15,000 and 20,000 euros. This particular example of a crucifix watch is certainly up there among the best works produced by the watchmaker who eventually made his home in La Rochelle. To view the movement of the watch, simply rotate the main body of the watch. Its silvered dial is engraved with a scene of a lake, as well as floral and foliage patterns along the perimeter of the dial, the figure of Christ in the bottom portion, and a lamp, a rooster, and a jar in the top part of the dial. Its mechanical movement is wrapped with a key, and it has a main plate that is decorated in relief with greenery and flowers. Additionally, it has a spiral pre-balance.

A timepiece with a crucifix design that was created in La Rochelle. Aguttes

Another period, another time: this sale features a rather innovative silver watch with double decimal dual reading that ranges between €1,000 and €1,500. A lock with the inscription “Courvoisier à Paris N 653” dates the piece to the latter half of the 18th century. It has a double reading at 10 hours and 100 minutes, twice 12 hours, and a date indicator at 30 days, all of which are displayed on the enamel dial in white. Another watch from the same period is being offered for sale here. This one is double-sided and has a display for both the Gregorian calendar and the Republican calendar. Arabic numerals, a Gregorian calendar with an advance/delay indicator, and auxiliary dials for the indication of the days of the week, date, and month are all displayed on the front enamel dial of this watch’s case. The dial is white. The indication of decimal hours is possible via its back dial, which is enameled in white and only has one hand.

Let us rewind to the moment of the revolution. Aguttes

A history of time can be purchased from Aguttes Neuilly, which is located at 164 bis Avenue Charles-de-Gaulle, Neuilly-sur-Seine, France 92200.
2:30 on Wednesday, September 28th, 2022.
The exhibition is open to the public by appointment
up to the 23rd of September on Friday
Display for the general public
Monday the 26th and Tuesday the 28th On September 27, the hours will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
10 a.m. to 12 p.m., on the 28th of September on Wednesday.
aguttes.com

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